The sleepier sister of Majorca, Menorca is a delightfully peaceful Balearic Island and the perfect spot for a family holiday or for those searching for true Spanish style without the heady beats of neighbouring Ibiza.
Car hire in Menorca will make finding isolated family-friendly beaches and quiet villages a breeze, and it will be useful for climbing to the not-so dizzying heights of Menorca's highest mountain, El Toro, also known as Monte Toro. While the mountain isn't soaring (at only 357 metres), the roads up there are steep and winding. However, the spectacular 360-degree views are definitely worth the trip.
The pleasures of Menorca are not to be had in heart-pounding nightclubs or splashing the cash in designer boutiques; instead they are found in more simple pursuits such as going for long walks, driving to find a secluded beach, or simply sitting back, taking in the glorious views and sampling the island's favourite (and island made) tipple of gin. Though if you do fancy something a little more upbeat, Mahon and its harbour have enough shops, markets and museums in which to fritter away some time.
Upon arrival in Menorca, car hire makes it easy to access resort destinations. From Mahon Airport (MAH) it's easy to find your holiday home, whether it's a hotel or self-catering accommodation or a rented villa in the harbour town of Ciudadella, or any of the lovely resorts such as Sa Caleta, with its beach backed by red cliffs, Cala'n Bosch, Son Bou, or the attractive tree-lined bay at Es Canutells.
Other popular resorts include Binibeca, Cala Llonga, Es Castell, S'Algar and Playa de Fornells, one of only a handful of places to stay in the rocky and undeveloped north of the island.
Fast facts
Menorca is less developed than some of its island neighbours. Main routes are fine, but smaller roads can be narrow and winding so extra care should be taken.
Despite a period of British rule, in Menorca you drive on the right-hand side of the road.
At the petrol station gasolina sin plomo is unleaded petrol and gas-oil or gasóleo is diesel.
Booking your car hire in advance is strongly advised and the best prices are usually found when pre-booking. The credit card used at the time of booking will need to be produced upon collection.
The TravelSupermarket tool makes comparing prices easy. You should also consider making savings on car hire excess insurance by shopping around in advance.
